SBMA achieves ISO 45001 certification from DQS

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has further solidified its commitment to excellence and workplace safety by earning the prestigious ISO 45001:2018 certification from DQS Philippines.

The official awarding ceremony took place on Monday morning, August 3, 2026, at the SBMA corporate boardroom, Building 662. Presenting the certification was DQS Philippines Managing Director Romeo Zamora.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed pride and resolve in accepting the certification. “I stand proud of all of you for this achievement. Securing another ISO certificate is more than an institutional milestone—it is a sincere public service commitment. This recognition is for the people; undertake it with dedication and heart,” Aliño said.

He emphasized the importance of not only obtaining certifications but also upholding the standards conscientiously. “The true value lies in implementing these standards earnestly and consistently—not only for the agency but for our country, our locators, workers, and the community we serve.”

The ISO 45001:2018 certification establishes a robust Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) that enables organizations to identify and mitigate workplace risks, prevent injuries, and enhance overall safety.

SBMA has previously received ISO 9001:2018 certification for Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001:2018 for Environmental Management Systems from DQS Philippines, underscoring its comprehensive compliance with international standards.

Romeo Zamora acknowledged the enduring partnership between the SBMA and DQS Philippines, highlighting their joint commitment to continuous improvement. 

“It is an honor to support the SBMA in achieving certification across QMS, EMS, and OHSMS. We look forward to further fostering this partnership to support effective management system implementation,” Zamora said.

Operating as the local representative of the German-based DQS Group, DQS Philippines brings an extensive global network spanning 60 countries to its certification services.

SBMA Total Quality Management Office (TQMO) Lead Auditor Lolita Bondoc announced that the SBMA is the first Freeport authority in the Philippines to secure three key ISO certifications. The agency is also preparing to integrate these management systems into a unified framework by 2028.

In recognition of the pivotal role of internal auditors, the agency honored personnel responsible for maintaining rigorous internal audit programs that ensure compliance and readiness for third-party evaluations.

Chairman Aliño concluded, “For government employees, adhering to these standards is essential. I salute the dedicated men and women whose efforts made this achievement possible.” (30)

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SBMA re-certified ISO compliant by International Auditors

DQS Certification Phils. Inc. has recently re-certified the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for its compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 standards.

According to Vicente Evidente, Jr., SBMA Planning and Development Office (PDO) manager and the agency’s Quality Management Representative (QMR), the third-party surveillance audit is the DQS’s first face-to-face audit here since the pandemic, with the previous audit held online.

“We just had the second surveillance audit by the DQS, our first face-to-face audit since the pandemic. It entailed a more rigorous inspection than the online audit,” Evidente said.

“The DQS audit team found that the SBMA is compliant with the ISO standards, with special mention of the Seaport department for its compliance with the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) that contributed to its high compliance ratings,” he said.

Evidente also explained that an ISPS code establishes essential security requirements for ships, ports, terminals, carriers, seafarers, and cargo as a means to prevent maritime security hazards or any mishaps.  

During the two-day audit of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, the agency’s frontliner-departments were scrutinized for their compliance with the standards of Quality Management System and Environmental Management System, respectively.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan lauded the men and women of the agency for successfully fulfilling the requirements for the said standards.

Tan added that this would boost the agency’s thrusts namely, to attract more investments, create more employment and earn revenues.

“The SBMA’s compliance with the international standards of Quality Management and Environmental Management would definitely translate to higher investor confidence and the achievement of our objectives,” Tan said.

Tan also announced that another certification, the ISO 45001:2015 or the Occupational Health and Safety Management, is being documented by the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD). (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA gets tourism award for best pandemic practices

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has placed among the top 12 finalists in the award for “Best in Tourism Practice During the Pandemic” during the 22nd National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the Subic agency was recognized for its Covid-19 safety protocols that brought about a safe environment for “bubble” events in the Subic Bay Freeport in the past two years.

“This is only proof that the restrictions and safety standards that we practice like wearing masks, social distancing, disinfecting and most importantly the continuous vaccination of our stakeholders, are all working in ensuring the safety of our visitors,” Eisma said on Wednesday.

“Again, this only shows that our efforts in battling Covid-19 are paying off. Tourists and visitors feel safer to travel in Subic because we have kept our Covid cases low compared to other travel destinations,” she added.

Eisma also thanked ATOP and the Department of Tourism for recognizing the continuing efforts of the SBMA in keeping the Freeport safe not only tourists and visitors, but for business stakeholders as well.

The “Best in Tourism Practice During the Pandemic” award was given as a special category to highlight innovative tourism activities, as main or support operations to the safety of the community, during the times of Covid-19 pandemic. The SBMA competed for the award along with 32 other government agencies and local government units.

The tourism industry was considered the hardest-hit sector during the pandemic, thus necessitating resilient practices among stakeholders to sustain growth.

In the Subic Bay area, Eisma said the SBMA was the first to impose temperature scans at the onset of the pandemic, as well as strict entry protocols during lockdowns and high alert levels. Later on, it initiated a vaccination program for Freeport residents and workers to help keep Covid-19 infections at bay.

“In the course of implementing strict healthy safety practices, Subic became known as a safe haven for various sports events and conferences under the bubble concept,” Eisma pointed out.

“By placing premium on safety, we succeeded in attracting more business and find more opportunities to sustain the local economy,” she added.

SBMA records indicated that despite the ongoing pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions, the Subic Bay Freeport recorded an increase in same-day visitor arrivals by as much as 42% since the 2020 lockdown.

Tourist arrivals meanwhile increased by 141% while hotel occupancy almost doubled in number in 2021 compared to 2020 figures.

Eisma also credited the government’s crew-change and repatriation programs that made Subic a busy hub for the processing of incoming and outgoing seafarers, as well as overseas workers and other Filipinos arriving from abroad.

She said these programs saved the tourism industry in Subic amid pandemic travel restrictions. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA launches ‘Safety Seal’ program for business locators

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) began certifying business establishments here for their compliance to safety measures as part of a government program to ensure public safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma on Monday issued the first “Safety Seal” certification from the agency to Harbor Point Ayala Mall, which was represented by Engr. Lesly Manalo, the general manager.

Eisma, assisted by Manalo, also posted “Safety Seal” signs at the entrance of the mall to assure customers that the establishment complies with the health and safety protocols required by the government.

“The Safety Seal is important because it reflects the stringent safety measures enforced by SBMA over the Freeport,” Eisma explained.

She added that the Safety Seal Certification Program was created to safely reopen the economy while ensuring the public of the establishment’s compliance with the minimum public health standards set by the government.

Manalo, on the other hand, said the certification “will help boost the confidence of our shoppers and the general public that it is safe go to Harbor Point, and that the SBMA is strictly monitoring us in the implementation of safety measures.”

The safety certification program is being implemented under the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 21-01 issued last April by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Among the requirements for certification are compliance with registration or accreditation requirements; use of StaySafe.ph or any contact-tracing tool integrated with it; enforcement of minimum public health standards (MPHS), including screening or triage area at different points-of-entry; availability of handwashing stations, soap and sanitizers, and hand drying equipment or supplies; and observance of physical distancing.

The program also requires adequate air exchange in enclosed areas; disinfection protocol; wearing of facemasks, face shields especially in enclosed places; establishment of a referral system for medical and psycho-social services; designation of safety officer; and facility for proper storage, collection, treatment, and disposal of used facemasks and other infectious wastes.

According to SBMA Deputy Administrator for Health and Safety Ronnie Yambao, the SBMA’s Health and Safety Department (PHSD) has been inspecting business locators here and monitoring their compliance with safety protocols.  

He said the PHSD expects to complete the certification process for other Subic Freeport locators that have applied for safety seal and also enjoins others to participate in the program

“If they want to apply for the safety seal, the PHSD through the Occupational Health Division would be available to visit their facility and make an assessment,” Yambao said.

The safety seal is valid for six months and is renewable. (MPD-SBMA)

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Subic Bay named Asia’s ‘Fastest Growing Free Trade Zone’

The Subic Bay Freeport Zone has again gained international attention when it garnered two awards in the International Finance Awards 2017 given out by the London-based International Finance Magazine (IFM), a financial market information group.

Under the Financial Awards category, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone was named the “Fastest Growing Free Trade Zone” in Asia while the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recognized in the same category for its “Best Social Responsibility Initiative”.

The IFM awards recognize and honor individuals and organisations in the international finance industry that make a significant difference and add value, as well as herald the highest standards of innovation and performance.

Organizers said the IFM awards make a concerted effort to shine the spotlight on organizations in niche segments and those that exhibit brilliance in the unsung corners of the finance industry.
The other winners from the Philippines are: BPI Asset Management, as “Best Asset Manager”; Omnipay, as “Best Payment Solutions Provider”; and RCBC Bankard Services Corporation, “Best Credit Card Offerings”.

The awards will be handed out next year during the IFM Annual Award Ceremony scheduled on January 26 in Singapore.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said it is “both an honor and privilege to be counted among IFM’s roster of excellence.”

“These awards, which come on the eve of SBMA’s 25th year anniversary, inspire us not only to celebrate our past but more importantly, to forge our country’s future for the sake of our children and future generations by continuing to make a difference and adding value to Filipino lives,” she added.

Subic Bay’s first award recognized its emergence as a flagship of the Philippine economy and a catalyst of growth in the region.

To date, the Subic Bay Freeport has a total of more than 126,000 workers employed by a total of 2,897 companies variously engaged in shipbuilding and other marine-related business, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, and services. With committed investments surpassing the $1.4-billion mark in the first quarter of this year, SBMA officials expect Subic to make more significant strides in the Philippine economy in the coming years.

The second award cited the SBMA for identifying the social needs of the indigenous Ayta community in the Subic Freeport area and taking the initiative to positively impact the social status, earning potential and access to services of the members of the tribe.

Last week, the Subic Bay Freeport was also recognized as the Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year during the Third Sports Industries Awards and Conference Asia held in Bangkok, Thailand.

In the same event, the SBMA won the silver award for Best Sponsorship of a Sport, Team or Event for sponsoring triathlon events here in 2014 to 2016.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman Eisma was adjudged among this year’s winners in the search for the “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World”, which recognizes Filipino women who are influencing the face of leadership in the global workplace.

Eisma received the award during the 14th Filipina Leadership Global Summit scheduled on October 25-29 in Toronto, Canada. (JRR)


PHOTOS:

[1] Fastest Growing Free Trade Zone in Asia award

[2] Best Social Responsibility Initiative award

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Hanjin gets DOLE certification on labor and safety standards

Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines (HHIC-Phil), the biggest shipbuilding company in the country, has passed the stringent standards of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), following an assessment early this month.

HHIC-Phil President Jeong Sup Shim said in a statement on Monday that DOLE officials have issued the South Korean shipbuilder certificates of compliance on General Labor Standards (GLS) and Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) for its shipbuilding facility at the Redondo Peninsula in this free port.

Shim said that aside from Hanjin, the 20 firms doing subcontracting works at the Redondo shipyard were also given compliance certificates after 30 DOLE officials, led by Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz toured HHIC-Phil workplaces on May 20.

Shim said Hanjin, along with its contractors and subcontractors, underwent joint assessment by Labor Laws Compliance Officers of DOLE-Central Luzon office, who also extended technical assistance to these companies to correct deficiencies and make them compliant with labor laws.

During the visit, Baldoz awarded the certificates of compliance to HHIC-Phil and its contractors and subcontractors “so the public, investors and workers may know that [we] adhere to the country’s labor laws,” Shim said.

Following this, Hanjin and its subcontractors signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DOLE to affirm their commitment in adhering to labor laws while ensuring that the compliance status is sustained and monitored by the labor agency.

The MOA was immediately made effective as specialized DOLE programs and services will be implemented in the form of “Productivity Tool Box” programs and services among the companies.

Baldoz also reminded HHIC-Phil that all new contractors it will engage shall be similarly subjected to joint assessment within six months of their operations and must secure certificates of compliance issued by DOLE for both GLS and OSHS.

Shim said the company welcomes the strict enforcement by the DOLE of labor laws, adding that HHIC-Phil “is very keen in continuously improving the safety and health situation” in its shipyard.

He said HHIC-Phil has been actively participating in the promotion of enhanced OSH condition and has even hosted in February a risk-assessment exercise attended by over 40 representatives from the International Labor Organization, Asean Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNET), as well as the DOLE to showcase the best practices at the Redondo shipyard.

Shim said that because of its best practices, HHIC-Phil has been topping the Philippines’s overall vessel order with 86.6 percent of the total orders booked. The rest, or a total of 13.4 percent, is taken up by Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi, which is based in Cebu.

Shim said in a survey in April by Clarkson, the world’s largest shipbroker, the Philippines claimed its spot as the No. 1 shipbuilding country with the highest contracts won equivalent to 590,000 Compensated Gross Tonnage (CGT), thereby surpassing the biggest shipbuilding countries, including Korea, China and Japan, with 530,000 CGT, 290,000 CGT and 150,000 CGT, respectively.

“The Philippines is now making its mark internationally in terms of shipbuilding, and HHIC-Phil is proud to be a major contributor in the country’s economy,” Shim also said. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/hanjin-gets-dole-certification-on-labor-and-safety-standards/

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Quality supervisor is SBMA Employee of the Year

A quality management supervisor responsible in initiating quality management systems in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has been named SBMA Employee of the Year for 2013 in a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Juan C. Aquino, Jr., officer in charge of the agency’s Total Quality Management office and previously named as Employee of the Year for the Internal Services Group, bested five other finalists in the annual search for the agency’s outstanding employees.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia congratulated the finalists and said they have the admiration of their peers and the recognition from the whole agency.

Aquino, who has been with the SBMA since 2000, helped the agency achieve the ISO 9001:2008 certification, the international standard for quality management systems. He also set up the “Voice of the Customer” system, which allows customers to give feedback, thus making it possible for the SBMA to further improve customer service.

The other five finalists were shipping operations specialist Florence Basobas, investment analyst Marie Elaine Gonzales, utility worker Renato Ching, heavy equipment operator Nestor Manuel, and Ecology Center clerk Febie dela Cerna. They were also named Employees of the Year for their respective strategic business units.

Basobas, a licensed public accountant who represented the Aviation and Maritime Operations Group, was responsible in auditing liquidation reports of companies engaged in importation inside the Freeport.

Gonzales, who represented the Business and Investment Group, was nominated for her work in pulling in investments worth US$18 million for the SBMA. She was also responsible for handling investor concerns within the Freeport.

Ching of the Chairman and Administrator’s Group is currently designated as driver at the Media Production Department. He was recognized for doing tasks outside his job description, such as providing assistance during production work, and serving as alternate videographer and photographer for the department.

Manuel represented the Public Services Group and was responsible in implementing a system to make garbage collection inside the Freeport more effective.

Dela Cerna, from the Regulatory Group, served as clerk for the Ecology Center and provided assistance during project implementation done by her department.

During the awarding ceremony, Chairman Garcia also took the opportunity to recognize the contribution of the employees in achieving SBMA’s record-breaking income last year.

He proudly said that because of the employee’s collective efforts, the SBMA is now recognized as one of the best government agencies in the country.

“This brings back the pride in our work, because it is important that you take pride in your work, regardless of your position, especially if you are working in a company worth working for,” he said.

Garcia also assured the employees that the SBMA has a bright future ahead despite the challenges the agency faces, as the management is doing everything it can to improve its employees’ working conditions.

“The prospects for SBMA are exceedingly bright, and I promise you we will take advantage of these opportunities and make SBMA a much better place in the years to come,” he said.

The SBMA Employee of the Year Awards is a project of the SBMA Human Resources Management Department to recognize and reward exemplary services rendered by employees, in line with the Civil Service Commission’s PRAISE program. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)


PHOTO:
Quality supervisor Juan C. Aquino, Jr. receives his award as SBMA Employee of the Year from SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia during the awarding ceremonies held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

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SBMA achieves rare feat in ISO certification leading to banner year

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority attained its ISO 9001:2008 certification with absolutely "zero minor and major non-conformities" on its first audit, a rare feat that no other Philippine government agency has ever achieved.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia said that when the agency began working for its ISO certification, it began paving the way not only for sustained world-class quality management system, but also toward superior financial performance. The agency started working to meet the requirements for an ISO 9001:2008 certificate from AJA Registrars in October 2012.

“Quality management is one of the reasons why 2013 became a banner year for the SBMA,” Garcia revealed.

Garcia said that unknown to the various departments that toiled hard to meet the standards, they were also working on something that would soon yield a record-shattering net income of P1 billion in 2013, the biggest in SBMA’s 21-year history.

“On the surface, we were aiming for quality certification, but deep down in the core of the organization we were building something more significant—a better system, and a culture of excellence that helped us achieve something big,” Garcia added.

“Now, with the quality management system in place and the SBMA reporting a net profit of P1.2 billion last year, more investors are showing interest to invest in Subic,” the SBMA official added.

Meanwhile, SBMA Total Quality Management (TQM) manager John Aquino said that the “zero major non-conformity, zero minor non-conformity” findings by AJA Registrars on its first surveillance audit can be considered a legacy in the history of government offices.

“It is a very rare situation that a government agency could maintain this level of conformance,” said Aquino, who is also an assessor of the Philippine Quality Award, a presidential project to recognize public and private institutions committed to quality and excellence.

Aquino also explained that because the SBMA not only maintained the quality management system but also has shown improvement by resolving one observation recorded during the AJA audit on October 3 2012, AJA recommended that SBMA continue with its ISO certification program until 2016.

The ISO 9001:2008 certification specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

It aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

All departments of the SBMA completed the requirements in April 2013 in pursuance of the ISO 9001:2008 certification.

The scope of registration included the Internal Services Group with 10 offices or departments; Maritime, Business and Investment Group with seven offices/departments; Regulatory Group with six offices/departments; and the Chairman and Administrator-CEO Group, which has six offices and departments.

ISO certification and quality management in government institutions were required, respectively, through Executive Order 605 and Administrative Order 161, which were both signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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SEZ awarded for good corporate governance

Subic EnerZone Corp. (SEZ), an AboitizPower subsidiary and distribution utility covering the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority franchise area, was recently awarded by the agency’s labor department in view of good corporate governance.

The SBMA Good Corporate Governance Award, in partnership with Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc., recognizes outstanding business practices, industrial relations, human resource management and compliance to occupational health and safety standards.

It also recognized SEZ as a leading employer in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, developing employees with good values, high productivity and drive for excellence.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia presented the award to SEZ assistant vice president and general manager Warell Kern Sario in a ceremony held Nov. 22 at the Subic Bay Arts Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

In his message during the ceremony, Garcia told SEZ, “You are an example of what we are trying to achieve here in Subic, better business relations, good customer service, honesty, no corruption, accountability, and transparency. Good governance means good business.”

“This recent accolade from SBMA reflects SEZ’s strong commitment to adhere to international labor standards. As an Aboitiz company, we strive for excellence in every field of our businesses,” Sario added.

Subic EnerZone was also recently granted a Tripartite Certificate of Compliance on Labor Standards given by Department of Labor and Employment.

The TCCLS is given to companies that show exemplary adherence to provisions on General Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, the Child Labor Law under Republic Act 9231, industrial peace, and enterprise stability and competitiveness.

SEZ’s authority to operate the Subic Bay Freeport Zone power distribution system was granted by the SBMA pursuant to the terms of the Bases Conversion and Development Act.

In 2007, AboitizPower bought the 20 percent equity of Team Philippines Industrial Power II Corp. (formerly Mirant Philippines) in SEZ for P92 million. (The Daily Tribune)

http://www.tribune.net.ph/business/sez-awarded-for-good-corporate-governance

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SBMA gears up for ISO certification on environmental management

Preparations are now underway for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to be certified for ISO 14000, the international standard for environmental management.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said he has ordered the creation of a technical working group that will oversee the agency’s preparations for certification.

“We hope to have the SBMA certified within a year,” Garcia said, pointing out that the SBMA was granted early this year the ISO 9001:2008 certification, which is the international standard for quality management systems set by the International Organization for Standardization.

SBMA director Benjamin Antonio III recently announced the plan for the ISO certification to locators during the 2nd Environmental Awareness Forum held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

According to Antonio, the agency will specifically work for the ISO 14001:2004 certification, which sets out the criteria for an environmental management system and maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system.

“Since the certification’s scope is geographic, it will include all SBMA offices. In fact, it’s going to include the entire fenced area of the Subic Bay Freeport,” Antonio explained.

“Everything under the control of the SBMA should be part of the scope of the environmental management system,” he added.

Antonio said that one of the requirements for the certification would involve the SBMA conducting environmental risk assessments. This would allow the Subic authority to identify environmental impacts, assess which ones are considered critical, and address the critical environmental aspects that exist within the agency.

“What’s going to happen is we are going to embed the environmental consciousness, awareness, and environmental stewardship in many, if not all of the positions in the SBMA,” he said.

The risk assessment will be done by the entire agency through the respective department managers, and the findings of which will be consolidated and implemented.

Antonio added that apart from the risk assessment, ISO 14000 would also require SBMA to have environmental emergency preparedness and response which will be tested regularly.

“Meaningful change like this one takes time, especially when it involves such a huge agency,” Antonio noted. “It’s not an easy task, but we’ll try our best to get it done in one year.” (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA recognizes 11 environment-friendly business locators

In line with the celebration of World Environmental Month, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recognized 11 top corporations in this free port that demonstrate sound environmental management practices.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia personally awarded certificates of recognition to the environment-friendly business locators in a simple ceremony held at the SBMA board room recently.

Those that received the SBMA citation were electronic data processing equipment manufacturer Hitachi Terminal Mechatronics Phils. Corp.; HDD spindle-motor producer Nidec Subic Phils., Inc.; cooling fan and servomotors manufacturer Sanyo Denki Phils. Inc.; semi-conductor diodes manufacturer Phil. Inter-Electronics Corp.; aircraft repair and overhaul provider Honeywell CEASA Subic Bay Co., Inc.; high precision plastic molding maker Koryo Subic, Inc.; electronics parts and accessories manufacturer Ringsthree Inc.; Fang Chan; Hitachi Air Conditioning Products (Phils), Inc.; inkjet cartridge and printer producer Cresc Inc.; and utility operator Subic Water and Sewerage Co., Inc.

Garcia said that the awardees, which have also attained ISO 14001 Certification, were recommended for citation by the SBMA Ecology Center after rigorous evaluation of their activities and environmental management program.

ISO 14001 is the world’s most recognized framework for Environmental Management Standard (EMS) which helps organizations both to manage better the impact of their activities on the environment and to demonstrate sound environmental management.

SBMA Ecology Center manager Angel Bagaloyos said the EMS is used by organizations worldwide to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and drive down costs.

He said this standard, which has been adopted by more than half of the 160 national members of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is endorsed by governments around the world, integrates environmental dimension in business strategy “to restore the image of the industry due to common notion that industry is always associated with pollution.”

Meanwhile, Garcia lauded the companies who made it to the agency's environment-friendly list.

“You are the primary examples of locators we are looking for,” Garcia told company executives and ISO coordinators who attended the ceremony. “It is only proper to honor each of these 11 green companies, as they will serve as example to other locators in Subic to strive for the best towards the seemingly never-ending journey to quality.”

“It’s not enough to satisfy your customers, you have to delight them,” he added.

SBMA is very much active in the advocacy to preserve, protect and propagate the rich and lush environment in the Subic Bay Freeport. It provides assistance to indigenous tribal communities and fisher folks in and around the free port zone for their environmental protection projects; initiates beach and coastal clean-up drives, tree planting and other environment protection-related activities; and regulates the operation of business locators according to the Subic Bay Protected Area Management Plan.

The SBMA has also required retail stores, restaurants and groceries to use environment-friendly materials and banned the use of plastic and styrofoam packaging in the free port zone. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia (middle) pose with representatives of the top environment-friendly companies in the Subic Bay Freeport. With them are SBMA chief operating officer Joven Reyes (left), SBMA deputy administrator for regulatory Joy Alvarado (second from right), and SBMA Ecology Center manager Angel Bagaloyos (right).

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SBMA receives ISO 9001:2008 certification

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recently granted the ISO 9001:2008 certification after passing the audit done by AJA Registrars, Inc., an independent certification body headquartered in the United Kingdom.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia received the certification on April 29 from Paul Bagatsing, vice president and general manager of AJA Registrars, Inc.- Philippines.

The certification places the SBMA at par with other organizations and companies around the world in terms of quality management systems.

The ISO 9001:2008 is the international standard for quality management systems set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The certification specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Under ISO 9001:2008, the organization must aim to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to applicable requirements.

Garcia said the certification came at a very fitting time as the Philippines is now the focus of foreign investors due to the recent upgrades of the country’s investment rating.

However, he reminded all SBMA personnel that the manuals set by the ISO are not cast in stone, and that they must strive for improvement all the time.

“We have to continuously train and upgrade our people and bring the mechanisms to make sure that we deliver the quality service that our investors want,” said Garcia, a quality practitioner during his time in the private sector.

“Quality means constant improvement – kaizen,” he added, referring to the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement.

Bagatsing, for his part, reminded everyone that the certification is not just a piece of paper. “This represents three things: your past, or your effort that you put in this; your present, what you have now; and your future, or your responsibilities to keep continuous improvement,” he said.

He also added that it is vital to strive for more and not be complacent after receiving the ISO certification.

“Remember, your best today will be tomorrow’s average performance,” he said.

Bagatsing also said that they are very happy that the SBMA decided to pursue full certification. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA chairman Roberto V. Garcia (right) receives the ISO 9001:2008 certification from AJA Registrars Inc. vice-president Paul Bagatsing.

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